Who plays there: Oto is probably best known for hosting free-improvisation and jazz legends such as Evan Parker, Peter Brotzmann and Roscoe Mitchell, but the programme is genuinely eclectic, embracing musicians from the outer reaches of folk, rock, noise and electronica. Jandek, Howe Gelb, Tim Hecker, Christian Marclay and Yoko Ono are some notable names, and since Thurston Moore moved to London he has become a regular fixture. Many of the more popular artists take up residencies of two or three nights and sometimes more. Last year the Sun Ra Arkestra managed five consecutive nights, each sold out in advance.

Cloakroom: No.

Admission: General admission for established acts runs from £8-£12, but there is a wide variation, from £2 for a film screening, to £20 for prestige acts like Sun Ra Arkestra. Some events are free.

Bar: An excellent selection of local and European beers as well as a neat line in specialist whiskies. Quality tea and coffee is sold all night.

Food: Oto opens early for coffee and pastries, then at lunchtime the kitchen is run by Zardosht, serving Persian inspired dishes. In the evening a small selection of snacks and cakes are available.

Toilets: One of each, and wheelchair access.

Wheelchair access: Oto has full wheelchair access, with "two for one" tickets available for carers. Contact with the venue for details.

Sound: Generally very good. The width of the room, the low ceiling and the brick interior create an ideal sound environment and when the room is full it can sound superb. Some shows are played completely unamplified, if the line-up allows, and the respectful nature of the crowd can make that a treat. Last year, Oto invested in a new piano, funded through a series of special events and limited edition records, and it sounds splendid. Don't mistake it for a table when it's not in use however, or someone will tell you off.

Where to stand: The furniture in Oto is arranged on an ad-hoc basis depending on the act and the number of people expected to attend. Most nights the front half of the venue is taken up by tables and chairs. You can usually get a seat up until around 8.30, but for sold-out shows, queueing before doors open is recommended. There are two pillars quite close to the front of the performance space, but the key thing is not to get stuck too far to the back of the room. There is no raised stage, so shorter people will struggle to see much from there.

Overall: If you like small, intimate venues where music is absolutely the focus, Cafe Oto is about as good as it gets. The vibe can be serious but is generally unpretentious. The audiences are usually very respectful of the players, and on the rare occasion that someone is disruptive, the staff will intervene. If you want to get involved you can volunteer to help on the door or around the venue in order to gain free entry to shows, and the Oto project space next door is emerging as a new home for art, film and installation in Dalston.

Public transport: Cafe Oto is just a few minutes' walk from the London Overground stations at Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland. It's also handily positioned for these bus routes: 30, 38, N38, 67, 76, 149, N149, 56, 277 and 242.